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Top Payroll Companies to Simplify Payment Processes in 2024
6 min read
Published: Jun 28, 2024
Revised on: Jun 28, 2024
Here’s our curated shortlist and our reasons for liking each company; please click into each company to get more details:
Efficient payroll management plays a vital role in the operational success of businesses across various sizes. We've evaluated 10 leading payroll platforms currently available to assist in optimizing payment processes. Each platform offers unique features tailored to meet diverse business needs, from small startups to large enterprises. Implementing these solutions saves time reduces errors and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Such operational efficiency is indispensable for maintaining smooth business operations and supporting sustainable growth. By leveraging these advanced payroll technologies, businesses can streamline their financial processes and focus more on core activities, ultimately enhancing overall productivity and profitability.- Deel
- Easy to use platform with an intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned how user-friendly Deel's platform is.
- Good customer support. Numerous reviews praised Deel's customer service for being responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful.
- Flexible payout options. Reviews liked the variety of payout methods offered by Deel, from bank transfers to PayPal and crypto.
- Simplifies international hiring and payments. Deel makes it easy to hire and pay contractors globally by handling compliance and paperwork.
- Offers features like advances. The ability to get advance payments on earnings was called out as a useful feature.
- Remote
- The platform automatically converts USD to the local currency, saving time and effort for freelancers.
- Payments are consistently timely and accurate, providing peace of mind for users.
- The platform is easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those not tech-savvy.
- Quick and helpful customer support is readily available for any issues that arise.
- Centralizes billing, invoicing, and time-off requests, making it a one-stop solution for remote work management.
- Justworks
- Users consistently praise the intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple to manage payroll, benefits, and HR tasks.
- The customer support team is highlighted as friendly, quick to respond, and effective in resolving issues, contributing to a positive user experience.
- Justworks allows companies to implement their own policies (such as PTO) and offers a wide range of health insurance plans and benefits.
- The platform consolidates various HR functions (payroll, benefits, employee data) into one place, streamlining administrative tasks for businesses.
- During the pandemic, Justworks was notably helpful in managing payroll retention credits, showcasing its adaptability and support in times of crisis.
- Paycor
- Paycor's platform is easy to navigate and offers a wide range of features, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- It provides a variety of functionalities beyond payroll, including onboarding, benefits administration, performance management, and time tracking.
- Paycor allows for the automation of recurring payments and other tasks, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors.
- The system offers customization options for payroll groups, timecard rules, and reports, allowing companies to tailor it to their specific needs.
- Paycor integrates with other systems and platforms, making it easier to consolidate and manage various HR tasks from one place.
- Papaya Global
- Papaya Global has designated payroll experts who resolve issues quickly and professionally, ensuring efficient payroll management.
- The onboarding process for new hires is user-friendly and quick, saving time for both HR teams and new employees.
- The customer success managers and support team are proactive, responsive, and professional, providing excellent service.
- Papaya Global centralizes payroll management for multiple countries on a single platform, streamlining processes and saving time.
- The platform is intuitive, easy to use, and well-organized, making it accessible for users to manage payroll and other HR functions effectively.
What Are the Benefits of Using Payroll Management Software?
Using payroll management software offers several benefits for businesses, both large and small. These benefits include:
- Time Efficiency: Automating payroll calculations, tax deductions, and direct deposits saves time compared to manual processing.
- Accuracy: Reduces errors in payroll processing, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, which can boost employee satisfaction.
- Compliance: Helps ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations, reducing the risk of penalties or fines due to errors.
- Cost Savings: Saves costs associated with hiring payroll professionals or outsourcing payroll tasks.
- Data Security: Provides secure storage of payroll data, reducing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
- Reporting: Generates detailed reports and analytics that can help with budgeting, forecasting, and decision-making.
- Employee Self-Service: Allows employees to access their payroll information, such as pay stubs and tax forms, independently.
How Do Payroll Platforms Ensure Compliance with Tax Regulations?
Payroll platforms ensure compliance with tax regulations through several key mechanisms. These mechanisms collectively help businesses manage payroll efficiently while staying compliant with tax regulations.
Automated Calculations: They automate tax calculations based on the employee's salary, allowances, deductions, and tax rates specific to their location and circumstances.
Tax Filing and Reporting: Platforms generate and file tax forms (like W-2 in the United States) accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with tax authorities.
Updates and Compliance Monitoring: They stay updated with changing tax laws and regulations, adjusting calculations and forms accordingly to ensure compliance.
Integration with Accounting Systems: Many platforms integrate with accounting software, facilitating seamless data flow and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
- Security and Data Privacy: They prioritize security measures to protect sensitive employee data and ensure it complies with data privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA.
What Features Should Businesses Look for in a Payroll Platform?
When choosing a payroll platform, businesses should consider several key features to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. A payroll platform that meets these criteria can streamline operations, improve compliance, and enhance overall employee satisfaction.
Here are essential features to look for:
Automation: The platform should automate payroll calculations, tax deductions, and other repetitive tasks to minimize errors and save time.
Compliance Management: Ensure the platform stays updated with tax laws and regulations to avoid penalties. It should handle tax filing and compliance reporting seamlessly.
Integration Capabilities: Compatibility with other systems like HR management software and accounting software ensures smooth data flow and reduces manual data entry.
Employee Self-Service: Features that allow employees to view pay stubs, update personal information, and access tax documents online can reduce administrative overhead.
Customization: The ability to customize payroll processes to fit the specific needs of the business, such as different pay structures or benefit deductions.
Security: Strong data encryption, secure storage, and compliance with data protection regulations (like GDPR or CCPA) are crucial for protecting sensitive employee information.
Scalability: The platform should be able to grow with the business, accommodating an increasing number of employees and handling more complex payroll needs.
Reporting and Analytics: Robust reporting capabilities provide insights into labor costs, tax liabilities, and other financial metrics important for decision-making.
Customer Support: Access to reliable customer support for troubleshooting issues and resolving queries promptly.
- Cost-effectiveness: Consider the total cost of ownership, including setup fees, subscription costs, and any additional charges for extra features or support.
How Can Payroll Platforms Help Businesses with Global Operations?
Payroll platforms play a crucial role in assisting businesses with global operations in several ways:
Compliance Management: They help navigate complex international payroll regulations, ensuring businesses adhere to local tax laws, labor regulations, and reporting requirements across different countries.
Currency Conversion: Facilitate automatic currency conversions for payroll processing, ensuring employees receive payments in their local currency without additional complexities.
Centralized Management: Provide a centralized platform to manage payroll across multiple countries, streamlining processes, reducing errors, and improving efficiency.
Integration with HR Systems: Integrate with HR systems to streamline employee data management, making it easier to maintain accurate records across various locations.
Reporting and Analytics: Offer robust reporting and analytics capabilities, providing insights into payroll expenses, trends, and compliance metrics across different regions.
Employee Self-Service: Enable self-service portals where employees can access their payroll information, and tax documents, and make updates as needed, reducing administrative workload.
- Automation: Automate payroll calculations, deductions, and payments, reducing manual errors and ensuring timely processing regardless of geographical location.
10 Best Payroll Companies
Let's explore the top platforms revolutionizing payroll management in today's workplace.
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
Deel is a robust platform that simplifies and consolidates international payroll operations. It manages compliance, tax deductions, and filings globally, supported by in-house payroll experts. Deel's seamless payroll processing ensures employees and contractors worldwide are paid accurately and on time.
Deel Key Features:
- In-house Payroll Experts: Ensures compliance and accuracy with local regulations.
- Real-time Global Reports: Provides instant analytics on payroll spending across entities.
- Unified Payroll and HR Platform: Integrates payroll with HR functions for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Easy to use platform with an intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned how user-friendly Deel's platform is.
- Good customer support. Numerous reviews praised Deel's customer service for being responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful.
- Flexible payout options. Reviews liked the variety of payout methods offered by Deel, from bank transfers to PayPal and crypto.
- Simplifies international hiring and payments. Deel makes it easy to hire and pay contractors globally by handling compliance and paperwork.
- Offers features like advances. The ability to get advance payments on earnings was called out as a useful feature.
Cons
- Expensive, high fees. The most common complaint was that Deel's fees were too high, especially for larger teams.
- Issues with transfers and payments. Some reviews cited problems with transfers getting lost or delayed.
- Limited customization and flexibility. Deel provides standardized contracts and processes which some found inflexible.
- Buggy interface and tech issues. Bugs and glitches with the platform were called out as annoyances.
- Lack of local knowledge and expertise. Reviews mentioned Deel lacking expertise on local laws and regulations in some countries.
2
Remote
Pricing
$29.00 per user/month
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Remote offers a streamlined solution for companies looking to manage payroll across multiple countries without the need for local offices. By consolidating payroll operations into one centralized platform, Remote Payroll simplifies the complexities of global payroll management, ensuring compliance with local laws and reducing administrative burden. This service is especially beneficial for businesses with remote teams or those looking to expand internationally, providing peace of mind through automated updates and local expertise.
Remote Key Features:
- Unified Global Payroll Processing: Manage salary and tax payments worldwide with automated precision, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Local Compliance Assurance: Stay compliant with international payroll laws through automated updates and local support, avoiding legal complications.
- In-House Experts in Every Country: Access to payroll specialists in each operating country, providing guidance and support for smooth payroll operations.
Pros
- The platform automatically converts USD to the local currency, saving time and effort for freelancers.
- Payments are consistently timely and accurate, providing peace of mind for users.
- The platform is easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those not tech-savvy.
- Quick and helpful customer support is readily available for any issues that arise.
- Centralizes billing, invoicing, and time-off requests, making it a one-stop solution for remote work management.
Cons
- The interface can sometimes feel overwhelming with too many features.
- Users need to manually adjust invoices for dynamic notes, which can be cumbersome.
- While helpful, the support team can sometimes be slow to respond.
- More comprehensive guides on tax and legal matters for international users would be beneficial.
- Occasionally, payment processing times can be lengthy, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
- Seat Minimum: 8.00 Users
Justworks Payroll is an efficient solution tailored for small businesses, ensuring timely payroll processing without hidden fees. It streamlines payroll and HR operations through an intuitive platform backed by expert support, allowing business owners to concentrate on growth and daily operations. The platform's user-friendly design makes managing payroll and HR tasks less burdensome, providing essential tools for business success.
Justworks Key Features:
- Unlimited Payroll Runs: Simplify payroll with unlimited runs, reducing effort and increasing reliability.
- Integrated HR Tools: Access a suite of HR tools that seamlessly integrate with the payroll system for comprehensive management.
- Flexible Benefits: Offer attractive medical, dental, and vision plans to retain and attract talent, tailored to small business budgets.
Pros
- Users consistently praise the intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple to manage payroll, benefits, and HR tasks.
- The customer support team is highlighted as friendly, quick to respond, and effective in resolving issues, contributing to a positive user experience.
- Justworks allows companies to implement their own policies (such as PTO) and offers a wide range of health insurance plans and benefits.
- The platform consolidates various HR functions (payroll, benefits, employee data) into one place, streamlining administrative tasks for businesses.
- During the pandemic, Justworks was notably helpful in managing payroll retention credits, showcasing its adaptability and support in times of crisis.
Cons
- Several users reported problems with the mobile app, including unresponsiveness and difficulty clocking in and out.
- Some users find the payroll deadlines challenging, especially around holiday weekends.
- The PTO system is sometimes reported as hard to use and inaccurate.
- The system's handling of taxes for commission-based employees and tax-free bonuses has caused confusion and issues, leading to incorrect withholdings.
- Users have noted that different amounts being deducted from paychecks for benefits like HSA can be inconvenient and require additional personal accounting to manage monthly finances accurately.
4
Paycor
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
- Free trial available
Paycor is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) solution that offers robust payroll processing capabilities. Its user-friendly interface and customizable reporting tools make it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
Paycor Key Features:
- Automated Features: Users appreciate the ability to automate recurring payments and other payroll processes, reducing manual work.
- Comprehensive Integration: The integration of various HR functions (payroll, onboarding, benefits administration) into one platform is highly valued.
- Time Tracking: The time clock/time sheet integration with payroll simplifies tracking and managing employee hours.
Pros
- Paycor's platform is easy to navigate and offers a wide range of features, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- It provides a variety of functionalities beyond payroll, including onboarding, benefits administration, performance management, and time tracking.
- Paycor allows for the automation of recurring payments and other tasks, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors.
- The system offers customization options for payroll groups, timecard rules, and reports, allowing companies to tailor it to their specific needs.
- Paycor integrates with other systems and platforms, making it easier to consolidate and manage various HR tasks from one place.
Cons
- Users report long wait times and inconsistent quality of support from customer service.
- Some users have experienced rushed or poorly managed implementation processes.
- There are reports of unexpected fees being added without clear communication.
- Users have encountered technical issues such as slow connections and system glitches.
- The reporting functionality can be difficult to use, and creating custom reports is often time-consuming and not as user-friendly as other features.
Pricing
$15.00 per user/month
- No Seat Minimum
Papaya Global is a cutting-edge workforce platform that integrates fintech solutions for global payments and payroll. It is the world’s first end-to-end platform designed for secure, compliant, and efficient global workforce management. By centralizing payroll, HR, and payments data, Papaya provides a seamless experience for managing international employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local regulations.
Papaya Global Key Features:
- Optimized Workforce Payments: Make direct deposits to all employment categories in 160+ countries from a centralized location, utilizing payment rails designed for timely delivery.
- Regulated Financial Institution: With international licenses to hold and transfer funds, Papaya ensures your funds are segregated and secured, utilizing Tier 1 banks' infrastructure.
- Comprehensive Data Integration: The platform integrates with existing workforce management tools like NetSuite, Workday, and BambooHR, offering a standardized, intuitive view of all payroll, HR, and payments information.
Pros
- Papaya Global has designated payroll experts who resolve issues quickly and professionally, ensuring efficient payroll management.
- The onboarding process for new hires is user-friendly and quick, saving time for both HR teams and new employees.
- The customer success managers and support team are proactive, responsive, and professional, providing excellent service.
- Papaya Global centralizes payroll management for multiple countries on a single platform, streamlining processes and saving time.
- The platform is intuitive, easy to use, and well-organized, making it accessible for users to manage payroll and other HR functions effectively.
Cons
- Some users find the invoices lacking in detail, making it difficult to link specific items to employees or understand the charges fully.
- Updating employee data in mass can be cumbersome and requires requesting a specific file, which could be streamlined.
- The information provided when opening a new site could be improved to help customers better understand the implications and processes involved.
- Papaya Global's services can be more expensive compared to competitors.
- Some users have experienced communication challenges and delays in resolving invoice disputes.
6
Paychex
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
- No Seat Minimum
Paychex offers a comprehensive payroll solution that streamlines the payroll process for businesses of all sizes. With its user-friendly online platform, Paychex provides flexible processing, automated tax administration, and employee self-service features. This software ensures that payroll tasks are completed efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and saving time. Paychex supports businesses with 24/7 chat and phone assistance, making it easy to stay compliant with changing regulations. The platform is scalable, adapting to the growing needs of businesses and offering a seamless transition for those switching providers.
Paychex Key Features:
- Scalable Payroll Solutions: The platform grows with your business, providing flexibility as your needs change.
- 24/7 Support: Access chat and phone support anytime to resolve issues quickly.
- Automatic Tax Calculations: Paychex calculates, pays, and files your taxes, reducing the risk of errors and saving you time.
Pros
- Paychex Flex is considered affordable for small businesses, offering a cost-effective solution for payroll and HR management.
- The platform includes a wide range of features like payroll processing, tax filing, 401K management, and insurance integration.
- The system is easy to navigate, making it straightforward for users to access important information like paystubs, tax forms, and benefits without needing to contact HR.
- Paychex Flex offers customizable features and integrates well with other systems, enhancing productivity and making it easier to manage employee data.
- The platform provides robust reporting tools, allowing for easy generation and access to automated reports, which helps in making informed business decisions.
Cons
- Many users report issues with customer support, including unresponsiveness, long wait times, and frequent changes in account managers.
- Users have experienced slow performance and technical glitches, particularly with outdated modules that are not fully integrated into the Flex system.
- The pricing discounts expire after a year and need to be renewed, leading to unexpected cost increases.
- There are frequent complaints about poor communication, with emails going unanswered and a lack of proactive follow-up from the support team.
- The platform may not be compatible with certain other products or systems used by businesses.
7
Rippling
Pricing
$8.00 per user/month
- No Seat Minimum
Rippling is a payroll and HR platform that simplifies the complexities of managing a global workforce. It automates payroll processes, ensuring timely and accurate payments while managing compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. With robust integration capabilities and a user-friendly interface, Rippling enables businesses to streamline their payroll and HR operations, making it an ideal solution for companies of all sizes.
Rippling Key Features:
- Automated Tax Filing: Rippling calculates and files payroll taxes with the appropriate agencies, even when employees relocate, ensuring compliance and reducing administrative burden.
- Mobile Accessibility: Employees can access pay stubs, request time off, and view their W-2s via the dedicated mobile app, offering convenience and flexibility.
- Global Payroll: Rippling supports payroll in over 185 countries and 50+ currencies, allowing businesses to manage international payroll seamlessly.
Pros
- Many users appreciate Rippling's intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which simplifies HR and payroll tasks.
- It offers a wide range of features including payroll management, time tracking, benefits administration, and more, all integrated into one platform.
- Rippling integrates well with other software systems like QuickBooks, which reduces manual data entry and streamlines accounting processes.
- It's praised for its ability to handle global HR needs such as compliance and payroll across different countries, making it suitable for multinational companies.
- Many users find customer support to be responsive and helpful.
Cons
- The pricing is often cited as a downside, particularly for small businesses, as some features and add-ons can be expensive.
- Several users mentioned difficulties during the implementation process, including overpromising features and delays in functionality.
- Additional features such as advanced reporting and automation come at an extra cost.
- There are complaints about inconsistent support quality and delays in issue resolution during critical times.
- Despite its user-friendly interface, there's still a learning curve for fully utilizing all features effectively, especially for complex organizational needs.
8
OnPay
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
- No Seat Minimum
OnPay is a payroll software tailored for small businesses, offering a comprehensive solution to streamline payroll and HR processes. OnPay automates complex tasks, allowing business owners to focus on growth. The software ensures accuracy in tax handling and provides seamless integration with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. User reviews highlight its ease of use, exceptional customer support, and the simplicity of running payroll.
OnPay Key Features:
- Full-Service Payroll: Quick and easy payroll processing with minimal steps, even on mobile devices.
- Automated Taxes: Comprehensive handling of federal, state, and local taxes with guaranteed accuracy.
- Seamless Integrations: Flexible integrations with top accounting and insurance software to eliminate double data entry.
Pros
- OnPay is praised for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making payroll processing straightforward even for those without extensive payroll experience.
- Users frequently mention the helpfulness and responsiveness of OnPay's customer support team. Issues are resolved quickly, and support staff are knowledgeable.
- OnPay is noted for being reasonably priced, offering a good value for the features provided. The absence of tiered pricing is also appreciated.
- The ability to process payroll from anywhere with an internet connection, including mobile devices, adds flexibility for users.
- OnPay provides detailed and easy-to-understand reports, which are beneficial for audits and other financial reviews.
Cons
- Some users find that the mobile version of OnPay lacks certain features available on the desktop version. Additionally, the app is currently available only for Apple devices, with no Android version.
- Several users have noted difficulties during the onboarding process, citing a lack of detailed instructions or support.
- While customer service is highly rated, the limited support hours can be inconvenient for users needing assistance outside of peak times.
- Certain tasks, such as fixing dates for payroll runs, require manual intervention.
- Users have mentioned a desire for more robust HR tools, including templates for onboarding and digital signatures for documents like W-4s and I-9s.
9
Gusto
Pricing
46.00 per user/month
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Gusto offers a streamlined and user-friendly payroll solution that simplifies the process of paying employees and managing HR tasks. With its intuitive platform, Gusto allows businesses to run payroll effortlessly, ensuring accuracy and compliance with minimal effort.
Gusto Key Features:
- Automatic Tax Filing: Gusto automatically files your payroll taxes, eliminating the hassle and reducing the risk of errors.
- Integrated Benefits and Time Tracking: The platform includes built-in tools for managing benefits and tracking time, ensuring seamless synchronization with payroll.
- Unlimited Payrolls and Transparent Pricing: Businesses can run payroll as many times as needed each month without incurring additional charges, and Gusto's clear pricing model ensures no unexpected costs.
Pros
- Gusto's user-friendly interface simplifies payroll processing, making it accessible even for those without extensive payroll experience.
- Beyond payroll, Gusto offers benefits administration, time tracking, onboarding, and compliance management, providing a holistic HR solution.
- Users frequently commend Gusto's responsive and helpful customer support team, which assists with setup and ongoing issues.
- Gusto ensures accurate and timely filing of state and federal tax reports, reducing the risk of penalties.
- The platform is competitively priced, making it a cost-effective solution for small businesses.
Cons
- Some users have experienced delays in paycheck deposits.
- Assigning different vacation amounts to employees can be challenging, and some users find the customization options limited.
- Gusto generates payroll invoices at the end of each month, which cannot be paid in advance.
- During peak periods, such as tax season, customer support response times can be slow.
- Some advanced features, like integrating unemployment insurance or transitioning contractors to employees, have been problematic for certain users.
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
ADP Workforce Now is a payroll and HR platform trusted by over 1,000,000 companies. Designed to simplify payroll processing and support tax compliance, ADP Workforce Now offers a payroll experience with advanced features tailored to businesses of all sizes. Users benefit from a seamless integration with existing business software, robust self-service options for employees and managers, and round-the-clock support from certified payroll professionals.
ADP Workforce Now Key Features:
- Employee and Manager Self-Service: Provides online and mobile app access for convenient payroll management and updates.
- Comprehensive Integration: Easily integrates with various business software, including time tracking, HR systems, and ERPs, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
- 24/7 Expert Support: Access to certified payroll professionals at any time, ensuring reliable assistance whenever needed.
Pros
- ADP provides a seamless integration of payroll, benefits, and HR functions, allowing small businesses to manage all aspects of employee administration from one platform.
- Users frequently mention the high quality of customer service, including dedicated account managers who are knowledgeable about their specific needs.
- The system simplifies payroll processing, making it easy and efficient, which is particularly beneficial for small businesses.
- ADP offers affordable health insurance plans for employees, which can be a significant advantage for small businesses looking to provide competitive benefits.
- ADP helps businesses stay compliant with ever-changing laws and regulations, reducing the administrative burden and risk of non-compliance.
Cons
- Users often find it difficult to locate and customize reports, which can be a significant drawback for businesses needing specific data for decision-making.
- The service tends to be more expensive than some competitors, which might be a consideration for small businesses with tighter budgets.
- The platform can be tricky to navigate, requiring many clicks to find specific information, which can be time-consuming for users.
- There are instances of slow response times from customer support, which can be frustrating when dealing with urgent issues.
- Some users experience difficulties with seamless integration, particularly with features like 401k and workers' comp integration into the General Ledger, requiring manual interventions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right payroll platform depends on your business size, needs, and growth plans. Consider factors such as ease of use, scalability, international capabilities, and integration with other systems when making your decision. Selecting the right payroll solution can greatly streamline your payment processes, allowing you to concentrate more on expanding your business.
